By John Van Klaveren
TENNIS in Geelong is in critical need of restructuring, says a major report to Geelong’s council.
The sport’s governance in the region was “disjointed” and the mix of court facilities was “deficient”, the report said.
Players were increasingly preferring a pay-as-you-play model rather than joining traditional tennis clubs.
A survey of participants showed 66 per cent preferred to pay for play rather than join a club, the report said.
The mix of facilities needed urgent review because of a lack of large community venues and too many local and public-access courts, it said.
Registered tennis players across the region declined 22 per cent in the two years to 2012/2013, with only six Tennis Victoria-affiliated clubs reporting more than 100 members each.
A new affiliation model for Victorian clubs, based on the number of courts rather than members, had increased memberships slightly to 2986.
The region had 105 venues and 402 courts, the report said.
“While the number of courts in the region is high, the mix of facilities is deficient in large community venues and over-serviced with local and public access venues.”
Geelong had only one regional-scale venue with 16 plus courts – Geelong Lawn Tennis Club.
A proposed strategy recommended new courts predominantly at Armstrong Creek but said upgrades to existing facilities should be a priority.
“A select number of existing venues with limited organised activity or residential catchment are also recommended to be decommissioned,” the report said.
Tennis in the region needed a collaborative management model to develop competition, administration, player pathways, event support, coaching, schools coordination and club growth.
Investment in tennis court lighting was critical to increase participation, the report said.
The report estimated $2.5 million was needed to develop tennis facilities.
Councillor John Irvine, who holds the portfolio for Sport and Recreation, said the strategy aimed to make Geelong Victoria’s fastest-growing and most accessible region for tennis by 2025.
Council is accepting feedback on the strategy at geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay or customer service centres until 27 March.
